Cherry Hand Pies
Cherry hand pies are not just an ordinary dessert; they are little morsels of joy wrapped in flaky, golden pastry filled with vibrant cherry filling. These delightful treats combine the tangy-sweet flavors of fresh cherries with a buttery crust, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a picnic, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet, cherry hand pies will fit the bill and impress your friends and family alike. Plus, they’re easy to make and utterly satisfying. Just wait till you take that first bite—the juicy cherry filling makes for a delightful surprise!
Table of Contents
I first discovered cherry hand pies during a summer visit to a quaint little bakery. The aroma of baked cherries wafting through the air was tantalizing, pulling me in like a magnet. After trying one, I was driven to recreate that delicious experience at home. The beautiful simplicity of cherry hand pies has enchanted my kitchen ever since! With just a few wholesome ingredients and a bit of love, you can whip up these sweet treats and enjoy them fresh from the oven. So why not roll up your sleeves and try this delightful recipe today? You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Irresistible Flavor: Flaky, buttery pastry perfectly complements the sweet, tangy cherry filling.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These hand pies look as delightful as they taste, making them perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Great as a dessert, snack, or breakfast—a treat any time of day!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can be adjusted for gluten-free or vegan diets using specific substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 ounces fresh cherries: The star of the show! Fresh cherries bring a juicy, rich flavor. You can substitute with frozen cherries if fresh ones are unavailable, just make sure to thaw and drain them well.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. Feel free to swap with white sugar, but you may lose some of that caramel note.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: This subtle hint enhances the cherry flavor beautifully. If you’re not a fan, vanilla extract works too!
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: The acidity balances the sweetness of the cherries. Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled will do in a pinch.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: It helps thicken the filling, preventing it from being too runny. No substitutions are suggested here.
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry: This is the base of your hand pie. Ensure it is defrosted; you could make homemade pastry if you’re feeling ambitious.
- 1 large egg yolk: For an appealing golden finish to your hand pies. An egg wash gives them a beautiful sheen!
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream: Mixed with the egg yolk, it provides extra richness and color. Non-dairy cream can be used as an alternative.
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling on top: This adds a lovely crunch and sweetness to the finished pies.
How to Make Cherry Hand Pies
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your hand pies will bake evenly.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: Pit the cherries until you’ve got about 1 cup, placing them in a bowl. Add the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir everything together until the cherries are well coated, then let them sit while you prepare the pastry.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your countertop and unfold the defrosted puff pastry sheet. Roll it out gently, making it about half an inch larger on all sides—this gives your hand pies a perfect edge.
- Cut the Circles: Using a 6-inch round cutter, cut out 2 circles from the pastry. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough space between them.
- Fill the Pastry Circles: Divide the cherry filling evenly between the dough rounds, placing it on one side of each circle. Leave about a half-inch of space from the edge so you can seal the pies properly.
- Seal the Pies: In a small bowl, beat together the large egg yolk and 2 teaspoons of heavy cream. Brush this mixture along the edge of the dough circles to help seal them. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges tightly with a fork. This not only seals in the yummy filling but also adds a decorative touch!
- Prepare for Baking: Cut three small slits on the top of each pie for steam to escape. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for that magical crunch and sweetness.
- Bake the Hand Pies: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-21 minutes, or until the pies are golden and puffed up—your kitchen will smell divine!
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. This is important; otherwise, you might experience that delicious “cherry lava” erupt unexpectedly when you take your first bite!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your cherry hand pies fresh, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just place them in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. If you’re looking to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days in a sealed container. You can even freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. They may lose a touch of their flakiness when reheated, but they’ll still taste divine!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your puff pastry is cold before rolling it out for the best flakiness.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it gives your hand pies that lovely golden finish that’s so appealing.
- If you notice the filling spilling out, it’s likely you overfilled them—next time, be a little more conservative with the cherry filling.
- Experiment with other fruits! Peaches or apples can be delicious alternatives to cherries.
- If you’re short on time, store-bought pie filling can also work in a pinch, though making your filling gives a fresh, crafted taste.
- Make mini versions for fun, bite-sized treats!
Cherry hand pies aren’t just another dessert; they’re a love letter to simplicity and flavor. With their buttery crust and vibrant cherry filling, they evoke nostalgia and comfort with every bite. Whether you whip them up for a summer picnic, a cozy family gathering, or just because, these hand pies are sure to bring smiles all around. Try your hand at this recipe, let your creativity shine, and discover new flavor combinations, too! Enjoy every delicious moment!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different fruits for the filling?
Absolutely! While cherries are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of seasonal fruits. Just be aware that the sugar quantity may need adjustment depending on the sweetness of the fruit used.
How can I tell when my hand pies are done?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; every oven is different, and you want to avoid burning!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The cherry filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a little stir before using, as it may thicken slightly in the fridge!
What should I serve with cherry hand pies?
They’re delightful on their own, but serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates them to a whole new level of indulgence! Enjoy with a piping hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cherry Hand Pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 2 hand pies 1x
- Category: Pies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Hand Pies are a delectable dessert featuring fresh cherries and a flaky pastry. They’re simple to prepare, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, and great for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces fresh cherries
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (1/2 of a box), defrosted
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream
- granulated sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Pit the cherries to yield about 1 cup. In a bowl, mix cherries with brown sugar, almond extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well and set aside.
- Flour your counter, unfold the puff pastry sheet, and roll it out slightly larger (about 1/2") on all sides. Cut out 2 circles using a 6" round cutter and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Divide the cherry filling between the pastry circles, placing it on one side about 1/2" from the edge.
- In a small bowl, combine the egg yolk and heavy cream. Brush the mixture around the edges of the dough circles. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges to seal. Cut 3 small slits in the top of each pie and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make sure to pit the cherries properly to avoid any tough bites.
These hand pies are best served warm, as the filling will be quite hot.
You can customize the filling with other fruits or extracts if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
